Panic attacks
Panic Attack Treatment in Ridgeland & Madison, MS
Sudden, frightening episodes deserve a careful look — not a guess. We evaluate what is driving the attacks and build a plan with you.
Recognizing a panic attack
A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that builds within minutes. Common symptoms include a pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, trembling, sweating, nausea, dizziness, numbness or tingling, and a feeling of unreality or loss of control.
Because these symptoms overlap with cardiac, thyroid, and respiratory conditions, a first episode should be evaluated medically. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.
What evaluation looks like here
The initial visit reviews your symptom history, triggers, sleep, caffeine and substance use, medical history, prior treatment, and family history. Where useful we coordinate with your primary care provider and discuss GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing to inform medication decisions.
Treatment may include medication management, referral for cognitive behavioral therapy, and practical strategies for the moments an attack begins. Outcomes vary by person and no particular result is promised.
Serving Ridgeland, Madison and the Jackson metro
Our office at 207 W Jackson St, Suite 1-H in Ridgeland is a short drive from Madison, Gluckstadt, Canton, Flowood, Brandon, and north Jackson. Read more in our journal article "Are they Panic Attacks — Turned Leaf Psychiatry can help!" or see our location, hours and directions.
Your provider and where we see you
Care is led by Stephen P. Sweeney, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, alongside the wider Turned Leaf Psychiatry team and our collaborating physicians in Mississippi and Tennessee. Visits are in person at our Ridgeland office.
Costs and insurance
Self-pay is $185 for the initial evaluation and $135 for follow-up visits. Insurance is accepted as listed below.
We are in-network with BCBS, Aetna, UHC, UMR, Surest, OSCAR, Cigna, Medicaid of Mississippi, Medicare, Ambetter, Compsych, and Magnolia of Mississippi. For out-of-network plans we provide a Superbill after each visit. See pricing and insurance details or call (601) 494-5503 to verify your benefits.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a panic attack feel like?
- People often describe a sudden surge of fear with a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, shaking, sweating, or a sense that something terrible is about to happen. Symptoms usually peak within minutes. Chest pain and breathing changes can also come from medical causes, so a first episode should be evaluated.
- Do I need a referral to be seen in Ridgeland or Madison?
- No referral is required. You can call (601) 494-5503 or send an appointment request and our office will contact you about scheduling.
- Will I be put on medication right away?
- Not automatically. The evaluation comes first. Medication is discussed when it is clinically appropriate, and the plan is decided with you.
- Is panic disorder the same as anxiety?
- They overlap but are not identical. Panic attacks are discrete episodes of intense symptoms; generalized anxiety is more persistent worry. An evaluation looks at both, along with sleep, substance use, and medical contributors.
- What should I do during a crisis?
- If this is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988. Turned Leaf Psychiatry is an outpatient clinic and not a crisis stabilization unit.
Related services
Anxiety & depression treatment
Assessment and treatment when worry or low mood persists.
Medication management
Ongoing adjustment and monitoring of psychiatric medication.
GeneSight® testing
Pharmacogenomic information to help guide medication choices.
Browse the full overview of services at Turned Leaf Psychiatry.
Ready when you are
Talk with us about panic attacks
207 W Jackson St, Suite 1-H, Ridgeland, MS 39157 · (601) 494-5503 · Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM